Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
and the practical test standards (PTSs) for balloon pilot
certification require the pilot to inspect the balloon by
systematically following an appropriate checklist prior
to each flight. Most balloon manufacturers include a
preflight inspection checklist in the flight manual. You
should use this as the basis for your own preflight
checklist. Each balloon manufacturer lists maximum
allowable damage with which a balloon may fly and
still be considered airworthy. Balloon owners should
memorize the manufacturer’s maximum allowable
damage rules and abide by them.

Using a written checklist, the pilot should make certain
that the balloon is correctly laid out for inflation, all
control lines are attached, the fuel system is operating
correctly, maximum allowable damage limits are not
exceeded, and there are no nearby obstacles directly
downwind. The pilot is responsible for all aspects of
flight, including preflight operations. If you are using a
new crew, it is necessary to spend more time with them
to make sure they understand their duties. Whether using
your own experienced crew or a new crew at a rally,
it is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure the balloon
is correctly prepared for inflation and flight.

At this point, you make sure the chase vehicle is clear
of the launch site, the keys are in the chase car or
with the chase crew, passengers are nearby, and
inflation crew is properly dressed and ready. You
are now ready to proceed with inflation.

Proper use of a checklist makes the pilot and crew
look more professional. If everyone is doing his or
her job without excess conversation, confusion, and
repetition, the entire scene builds confidence in
everyone involved.

The best checklist is the one you write for your
balloon, your crew, and your style of flying. A good
source for checklist items is the manufacturer of the
balloon. Also, you can combine checklists from other
pilots and manufacturers into your personal checklist.

Remember that a checklist is a living document that
may change or grow when modifications or additions
are appropriate.

Carefully study and memorize emergency checklists.
Do not try to read a checklist during an emergency;
that is for an aircraft with two- or three-person crews
and lots of altitude. During an emergency, take prompt
action, and when the situation permits, refer to the
checklist to ensure that all necessary items have been
accomplished.

Almost all balloon flights are accomplished with a
crew. There are a few rugged individuals who inflate
their balloon alone, make a flight, pack-up the
balloon, and hitchhike back to the launch site, but
they are rare. The crew is an essential part of
ballooning. They should be well-trained and treated
with respect and understanding.

Generally, there are two different areas of
responsibility for a crew: inflation/launch and chase/
recovery. Both are usually referred to as ground
crew. Passengers often serve as inflation crew,
become passengers for the flight, and crew again
after the balloon has landed.